Topical Bible: Conscience of Joseph's Brethren

Bible > Topical > Conscience of Joseph's Brethren

◄ Conscience of Joseph's Brethren ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The narrative of Joseph and his brothers, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound exploration of the human conscience, particularly as it pertains to guilt, repentance, and reconciliation. The account unfolds primarily in Genesis chapters 37 and 42-45, where the actions and subsequent remorse of Joseph's brothers are detailed.

Background and Initial Guilt

Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was envied by his brothers due to his father's preferential treatment and his own prophetic dreams, which suggested his future ascendancy over them (Genesis 37:5-11). This envy culminated in a heinous act: the brothers conspired to kill Joseph but ultimately sold him into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37:18-28). They then deceived their father, Jacob, into believing that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33).

The brothers' initial actions were driven by jealousy and a desire to rid themselves of the perceived threat Joseph posed to their status. However, their decision to sell him rather than kill him outright may indicate an early stirring of conscience, as Reuben and Judah both expressed reluctance to shed blood (Genesis 37:21-22, 26-27).

Awakening of Conscience

Years later, during a severe famine, the brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain, unknowingly coming face to face with Joseph, who had risen to a position of great power (Genesis 42:1-6). Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him. He tested their character by accusing them of being spies and demanding that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt as proof of their honesty (Genesis 42:7-20).

It is during this encounter that the brothers' conscience begins to awaken. They express remorse for their past actions, believing that their current predicament is divine retribution for their sin against Joseph. "Then they said to one another, 'Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us'" (Genesis 42:21). Reuben further reminds them of his earlier warning not to harm Joseph, highlighting their collective guilt (Genesis 42:22).

Repentance and Reconciliation

The brothers' journey back to Egypt with Benjamin marks a turning point in their moral and spiritual journey. Joseph continues to test them by framing Benjamin for theft, offering them the opportunity to abandon him as they once did Joseph (Genesis 44:1-17). However, Judah's impassioned plea to take Benjamin's place as a slave reveals a profound change in the brothers' hearts. Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin's sake demonstrates genuine repentance and a newfound sense of responsibility (Genesis 44:18-34).

Joseph, moved by their transformation, reveals his identity to his brothers. He attributes the events to God's providential plan, saying, "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you" (Genesis 45:5). This acknowledgment of divine sovereignty and the brothers' repentance paves the way for reconciliation and healing within the family.

Theological Implications

The account of Joseph's brothers serves as a powerful illustration of the workings of conscience in the biblical narrative. It highlights the process of conviction, repentance, and ultimately, redemption. The brothers' journey from guilt to grace underscores the transformative power of repentance and the possibility of restoration through divine forgiveness. This account encourages believers to reflect on their own consciences, seek reconciliation where needed, and trust in God's redemptive purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 42:21
And they said one to another, We are truly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he sought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come on us.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 44:16
And Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Joseph was Thus Sold by his Brethren into Egypt, by Reason of ...
... which they can never avoid, whether it be a good conscience; or whether ... 4. When Joseph's
brethren had done thus to him, they considered what they should do to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how joseph was.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... Long before we had any Word, God dealt with men through the conscience. ... That is what
convicted Joseph's brethren when they said: "We are verily guilty ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

Chapter xlv
... The brethren scarcely dare to do a thing; they are so ... from the account of his sons
how Joseph had come ... The wound in the conscience of the brothers is too deep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlv.htm

Chapter xlii
... out this plan of the regeneration of his brethren. Three days are deemed sufficient
to start their conscience working. At the same time Joseph needed at least ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... It is not in our conscience to have it, we weet never who put it in our ... Anon it was
told and known all about in the King's hall that Joseph's brethren were come ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

Recognition and Reconciliation
... 2. We have, next, conscience-stricken silence. No wonder his brethren 'could not
answer' and 'were ... They would remember the severity of Joseph's past intercourse ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.htm

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... This is the pity, that so often our brethren preach very ... the still small voice of
your own conscience, or rather ... which may be to you what Joseph's wagons were ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm

Joseph's Faith
... touch not the unclean thing.' In my conscience I believe ... is very beautiful to notice
how Joseph dying almost ... His brethren who stood by his bedside might well ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/josephs faith.htm

Chapter l
... Besides, confession eases the conscience of those who are ... Very naturally "Joseph
wept at the message that they ... a measure of mistrust revealed by the brethren. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... the wrath of an offended God, the accusations of a guilty conscience, and the ... and
ashamed to remember all this conduct on earth; as Joseph's brethren were to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm